Gary T. Moses Municipal Pool opening delayed to June 4

HOW TO GET CERTIFIEDThose interested in becoming a lifeguard for the city may contact Shane Simon or Danielle Williams, recreation specialist, at 361-485-3200. They can put applicants in contact with organizations that provide lifeguard certification classes.

To qualify for certification classes at the YMCA, Amanda Howe said, applicants must swim 300 yards and be able to grab a 10-pound brick from the bottom of the pool's deep end and bring it to the shallow end in 40 seconds.

After qualifying for certification training, applicants are trained in life-saving skills, CPR and first aid. The two-weekend course lasts about 36 hours and costs $135.

For the first time in at least 22 years, the city will delay the opening of the Gary T. Moses Municipal Pool because of a lifeguard shortage.

Doug Cochran, director of the Victoria Parks and Recreation Department, told the city council on Tuesday the pool is now scheduled to open June 4 after it was originally scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend.

Shane Simon, city recreation services manager, said the city will have to delay opening the pool even further should they not get enough lifeguards by June 4.

Cochran said the city needs at least six lifeguards before the pool opens, but he will hold off opening the pool until at least eight lifeguards are hired. He said that he wants a cushion in case a lifeguard needs a day off or just doesn't show up.

Right now there are only three lifeguards hired and 10 others are training to get certification , but Cochran said they may not all make it through the screening process.

Residents can still reserve a pool party and can do so by calling 361-485-3200. The city has enough lifeguards to honor those reservations. But if you want to make a reservation, you better do so fast.

Cochran said that 90 percent of the spots available were taken in the first two weeks after the city began accepting reservations.

The two days still available are from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. July 10 and July 31, at a cost of $200 for up to 100 people. To reserve a pool party, call the parks and recreation department: 361-485-3200.